Compulsory work permit for Japanese citizens postponed until January 1, 2017

18 July 2016

The Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service had previously confirmed that as of October 1, 2016 Japanese citizens would no longer have unrestricted access to the Dutch labor market and therefore would once again need a work permit, see our previous report on this.

However, partly in response to various signals received from the business sector, it has been decided to extend the transitional period until January 1, 2017.

The work permit obligation for Japanese citizens will thus apply as of January 1, 2017 and not from October 1, 2016.

During the transitional period, Japanese citizens who are in possession of a residence permit with the labor market endorsement “Work freely permitted, work permit not required” (“Arbeid vrij toegestaan, TWV niet vereist”) may retain this permit as long as it is still valid. A renewal or a new application for a residence permit on or after January 1, 2017 will, in principle, however be subject to review under the Foreign Nationals Employment Act.

This appears to be the final change to be made to the work permit requirement for Japanese citizens.

Please contact out Immigration Team if you have any questions about this.

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